Amado Gudek: Ethical Jewellery From the Heart of Singapore

The tagline for Amado Gudek is ‘imaginative jewellery cast in a clear conscience’. Brilliant. Like a lot of things we buy these days, jewellery purchases need to be examined for issues within the supply chain (child labor and conflict are rife). To sidestep those landmines, designer Elaine Tan handcrafts her line using eco-friendly bioresins, biodegradable green plastics and other mixed media. Everything is designed and made in her native Singapore.

While tradtional resins are composed primarily of petroleum-based materials, bioresins contain biobased renewable materials sourced as co-products or from waste streams of other industrial processes, such as wood pulp and bio-fuels production. The Amado Gudek bioresin is imported from California and is considered the highest clarity and quality and has superior UV-resistant properties (which will prevent the “yellowing” often seen in other brands of resins.)

The collections are also made with non-precious, of little or no value, materials, drawing attention to ideas, design and form rather than sparkle and glitz. The result is stunning, wearable statement pieces. Definite conversation starters.

Elaine Tan studied fashion marketing at Raffles Design Institute and completed her masters in fashion branding at Istituto Marangoni (London). She undertook a summer course in jewellery making at Central Saint Martins – University of the Arts London, where her interest in resin jewellery making was sparked. She shares,

When I came back from London after my studies, I wanted to start a new label that would remind myself of my time and experience in London. So I took the last names of two of my best friends from school – Amanda Amado and Sibel Gudek, and that’s how the name came about. It is a very personal and nostalgic thing for me.

The line consists of rings, bracelets, necklaces and bangles. Look for Amado Gudek pieces at Threadbare & Squirrel and Gallery & Co. when in Singapore or shop online at Society-A. Or, if your timing is right, the Amado Gudek studio is open to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 6pm – 9pm. You are invited to drop by to browse the collections or simply chill out in the cosy studio. Tan will be present at all open studio sessions. Studio address: 105 Sims Avenue, #10-07, Chancerlodge complex, Singapore 387429 (nearest MRT stations are Kallang and Aljunied).

Want to take a class? Tan also conducts jewellery workshops focused on resin casting and mould-making on a monthly basis, under her sister brand, Art my Alley. They also offer private / custom workshops for schools, companies, or anyone with a specific project in mind. For more details, visit www.artmyalley.com.